Rafa Benitez Comments on David De Gea's Manchester United Contract Extension

Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez insisted he had full confidence in his goalkeeping options—specifically Keylor Navas—after David De Gea signed a new four-year contract with Manchester United.

Per BBC Sport, the Spanish stopper, who had less than 12 months remaining on his previous deal at Old Trafford, signed the agreement on Friday after coming within minutes of joining the Liga outfit on transfer deadline day.

According to the Mirror's Ed Malyon, Benitez refused to admit the dismay he likely feels following the news.

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I have nothing to say about De Gea [and his new deal]. But I was with Keylor the other day when he signed his new deal and he knows how it feels.

My confidence in him is complete and he knows it. I hope that he plays really well and that he doesn’t have to do much.

De Gea is a Manchester United player and I have demonstrated my satisfaction with my goalkeepers.

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Despite Navas' demonstrable competence in goal, De Gea's new contract will be a blow to Los Blancos, who would have been able to negotiate a free summer transfer for the 24-year-old as early as January.

Now tied down at Old Trafford until 2019—or a further year if he exercises his option to extend the deal—Real will no longer be able to hope they can land the 'keeper for nothing or at a cut-price, at least for quite some time.

Indeed, football writer Liam Canning lauded the news and believes United could potentially use De Gea's renewed value to leverage a move for winger Gareth Bale in the future:

In the meantime, Benitez's comments are understandable as he is stuck with Navas as his No. 1 for the foreseeable future.

The Costa Rica international, while not quite at De Gea's level, is a fine goalkeeper in his own right, so he will most likely enjoy a solid year as Real's man between the sticks.

Madrid will almost certainly pursue De Gea once again, be it next summer or beyond, but the Red Devils will be in a much stronger position to drive a hard bargain.